"I strongly endorse Simon Rhee Tae Kwon Do. I have been a member of this studio for over two decades and the training my family and I have received over the years is unmatched by anything else available anywhere. With Simon Rhee TKD you get everything; Strength, Endurance, Discipline and of course the best Martial Arts training ever. Thank you to Master Rhee, Mrs. Rhee and the Rhee family! You are truly the greatest!" - Rodger Chartrand

FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS...

The Simon Rhee Tae Kwon Do Training Center, LLC, is one of the finest internationally recognized martial arts training centers in the world. World-renowned martial artist and stunt professional, Simon Rhee, has trained thousands of men, women and children at his Woodland Hills location since 1980.

Master Rhee is a 7th degree Black Belt Kukkiwon certified Grandmaster in Tae Kwon Do, 4th degree in Hap Ki Do, and a many-time tournament Grand Champion in both Forms and Sparring Competitions. He has trained many instructors, celebrities and stunt people and taught at UCLA, LACC and many martial arts seminars around the world.

His pictures have graced the covers of every major martial arts magazine and he is known throughout the world for his beautiful kicks and incredible forms. But it is his charming personality and skill for teaching which has made him loved and respected by all.

Master Rhee is also a member of the International Stunt Association and a 2 time winner of the Taurus World Stunt Awards (“Best Fight Scene”, 2002; “Best Fire Work”, 2007), having been involved in the film and television industry for over 30 years as an actor, professional stuntman, fight choreographer, 2nd unit director and stunt coordinator.

Master Rhee strives to instill in each student not only a lifestyle of mental and physical conditioning, but also a philosophy of respect, self-confidence, honesty and loyalty. All students cultivate self-control, confidence, respect and learn the value of achieving goals through hard work and training. All students at SRTKD can be assured that they are receiving some of the best martial arts training available anywhere.

NEW STUDENT FAQ...

How do I get started in classes?The best way to get started is to try a free first class. Check out the class schedule and please come early to fill out an information and waiver form and have any questions answered. New students can wear a uniform if they have one, or athletic/sweat pants with a comfortable t-shirt. You can put your shoes in the cubbies as you will need to go barefoot on the mat. After the first class, all students are required to wear a uniform in class. You can e-mail simonrheetkd@gmail.com to let us know you will be coming and so we can confirm the right class for you. Please come at least 15 minutes before class starts.

I have never taken martial arts classes before – can I still take classes?Of course! This is how everyone gets started – during your first class, you will be shown some class etiquette and will learn by watching other students and by taking direction from the instructor(s). You will not be expected to know how to do everything – it is our job to teach you step by step and you will not be pushed to do something you can’t do. You will do stretching and conditioning with the class and then the class breaks up into groups to learn material appropriate to their training level.

I have an injury – can I still train?You can train with doctor approval depending on the injury. We ask that you do not use the injured part of your body during training, and that you refrain any activity which causes pain. Most exercises can be modified or replaced if there is an injury. You are responsible if you hurt yourself further so please take extra precautions to not exacerbate your injury. You can definitely take it easy during classes. However, if you are sick with a cold, cough, flu, headache, fever, fungal infection or anything else that may be communicable, please do not take class until you are well.

I have trained at a different school – can I train at SRTKD?We welcome you regardless of martial arts style or level. If you trained in traditional WTF Tae Kwon Do, you will likely be able to retain your belt level (if you remember your material) as this is the style of training we do at SRTKD. If you need work on the basics, or if you do not remember any material and must re-learn forms and learn new material, it is best to start at a more basic level so that the amount of material to learn is not overwhelming. If you trained in a different style, you may also need to start at a more basic belt level so that you can learn the material in a way that will be most beneficial to you. Learning different styles of martial arts is something Master Rhee encourages, but like learning different languages, it is very important to train in the basics of each style to be able to be solid in moving on to more advanced material. The belt color is not as important as the material you know and can demonstrate - this is what will determine what level you will be at SRTKD. If you have years of training under your belt, you will likely learn and move up quickly.

How often do I need to train?We recommend at least 2 to 3 times a week to be able to retain all the material taught during classes. Of course, the more you come, the better you will know the material and the faster you can move up. You do have the flexibility to come as much or as little as you like with classes and/or private lessons.

How long does it take to attain Black Belt level?At SRTKD, our students test when they know their material well enough to perform it in front of a panel of Black Belts. We hold testings every 3 months but students test only if they and the instructors feel they are ready. Students who pass can move on to the next belt level. We have had students who trained almost daily achieve Black Belt in 2 years and others that have taken 20 years. The average time is about 4-5 years, depending on attendance, focus, time spent training, and desire to move up.

Why should I train at SRTKD?Master Simon Rhee is a WTF/Kukkiwon certified Grandmaster and has been leading the instruction at SRTKD for over 30 years. His experience and insight with his students is unsurpassed in this area. At SRKTD, students learn a solid traditional martial art and modern TKD techniques in structured progression where the focus is achieving a meaningful Black Belt. He teaches personally and his experienced instructors are at least 2nd degree Black Belts who have been teaching for years. Master Rhee is also a working Stunt Coordinator/Fight Choreographer and award winning Stuntman, and many stuntpeople train at SRTKD to become solid martial artists. Adults and children attain the many benefits of martial arts training at SRTKD – commitment, focus, humility, integrity, perseverance, respect, discipline, self-awareness, strength, confidence, courage, fitness.

When can I try a free class?For kids ages 5 and up: Tuesdays and Thursdays 5pm or Saturdays 11am.For adults or teens: Mon/Weds/Fri/Sat mornings at 10am or Tues/Thurs 7pmPlease contact us using the form below when you want to try your first free class.Please wear comfortable athletic clothing - a uniform is not required for the free class.Please come 15 minutes early to get info, sign a waiver and have questions answered.

What is the cost to take classes?The basic monthly cost is $175 per student, with discounts available for families, black belts and stunt people (SAG card required). After the first month, quarterly payments are required but there are no long term contracts. The registration fee is $25 and you will need to purchase a uniform as well if you do not have one. The first class is complimentary.

Please fill out and submit to contact us and our office staff will get back to you shortly. If you are interested in classes - please read the FAQ first...

Thank you for choosing SRTKD to train your mind and body in the Martial Arts. Please be assured that you have chosen one of the finest TKD training centers in the Valley, and in the world, under internationally recognized and celebrated Martial Artist Simon Rhee.

Master Rhee has trained thousands of men, women, and children in Tae Kwon Do since opening this location in 1980. He is a Kukkiwon (World Tae Kwon Do Organization) 7th Degree Black Belt GrandMaster in Tae Kwon Do (Traditional Korean Martial Art), a 4th Degree Black Belt in Hap Ki Do (Korean Self-Defense), a many-time tournament Grand Champion, and film and television fight choreographer and stunt coordinator. He is also a two-time recipient of the Taurus World Stunt Awards (Best Fight Scene for “Rush Hour 2” in 2002 and Best Fire Burn for “Letters from Iwo-Jima” in 2007) and a member of the International Stunt Association.

His pictures have graced the covers of all major Martial Arts magazines and he is known throughout the world for his beautiful kicks and incredible forms. But it is his charming personality and skill for teaching, which has made him loved and respected by his students and peers.

All students at Simon Rhee Tae Kwon Do Center are given special consideration and are treated with respect. Master Rhee strives to instill in each student not only a lifestyle of physical conditioning, but also a philosophy of respect and self-confidence that includes a sense of honesty, loyalty, and courtesy. Additionally, children gain self-control, self-confidence, and the value of achieving goals through training, and are encouraged to do well in school and to show respect to others.

Please read through the following materials carefully and memorize the Student Creed. Once again, welcome to Simon Rhee Tae Kwon Do Center!

WHAT IS TAE KWON DO?

TKD is a traditional Korean Martial Art, which includes physical techniques, mental discipline, and a deep philosophy. Through physical techniques, such as forms, sparring, and defenses, students develop coordination, gain strength, increase flexibility, and improve cardiovascular conditioning. Mental discipline and self-confidence are built through improving control over one's body and by learning to perform techniques. The TKD philosophy encourages respect, diligence, loyalty, modesty, self-control, and respect.

Students of TKD learn to set goals and be self-motivating in achieving them. A positive mental attitude, self-confidence, and a positive self-image evolve from continuous training.

We encourage TKD training for adults and children of all levels of skill, because everyone can benefit from the study of Martial Arts. The positive attributes of our students and the value of persisting until goals are reached is emphasized, allowing students to gain self-esteem and achieve higher goals.

A GOOD STUDENT OF TKD MUST DEVELOP THESE QUALITIES:

RESPECT AND COURTESY – The utmost respect must be given to one’s country, flag, parents, and TKD instructor. Courtesy and respect should be extended to all fellow humans and particularly to those of older age. It is mandatory that students be courteous and respectful of each other, particularly to those of higher-ranking belts.

HUMILITY - TKD students are expected to be humble about their accomplishments. Bullies and braggarts have no place in Tae Kwon Do. One should have a quiet feeling of pride in his achievements but need not feel compelled to advertise these accomplishments.

SELF-CONTROL - One should never lose his or her temper. One’s skills are seriously diminished if control over emotions is lost. Moreover, one should never use Tae Kwon Do to hurt anyone except in self-defense.

PERSEVERANCE – It is normal to become discouraged occasionally, particularly when pursuing an activity sufficiently challenging to be truly worthwhile. However, one should persevere until mastery is accomplished. Never quit, never give up.

INDOMITABLE SPIRIT - This is an expansion of all the other points in the Tae Kwon Do doctrine. A Tae Kwon Do student should use his skills and education to fight injustice. One should strive to overcome personal weakness in all areas of life and be a credit always to himself and to his sport.

STUDENT CREEDTo build true confidence through knowledge in the mind, honesty in the heart, and strength in the body.To keep friendship with one another and to build a strong and happy community.Never fight to achieve selfish ends, but to develop "Might for Right!"

PROPER ATTIRE IN THE DOJANG (SCHOOL)White is the traditional Korean color for all beginning Tae Kwon Do students. White symbolizes purity. A clean, white TKD uniform bearing a school patch and belt must be worn during training. A SRTKD T-shirt may be worn during hot weather instead of the uniform top, except during testing when the full uniform is required. Uniforms must be laundered after each training session, and good personal hygiene is mandatory for students.

TYING BELTPlace center of belt on stomach. Wrap around waist, make sure there is no overlap in the back. Bring both ends to front, make sure ends are even. Left over right and under both. Pull snugly. Then right over left and inside loop. Pull tight.

RULES OF THE DOJANG (School)1. Bow to show respect as you enter and leave mat and dojang.

2. Take shoes off before entering mat. Place them neatly in the cubbies.

3. Show respect & bow to Black Belts; address as "sir" or "ma’am", "miss" or "mister".

4. BE ON TIME. If late, ask permission to enter class, then do 25 push-ups before joining class (for beginning kids classes – do “discipline form”)

5. Uniform must be neat and clean (no old, stained, graying or wrinkled uniforms) bearing a school patch. Keep nails trimmed, hands & feet clean. Each student must be clean and free of heavy perfumes. Good hygiene is part of your training. If you have body odor, you must shower before class.

6. Do not wear jewelry in class or bring valuables. Take everything with you, including sparring equipment, when you leave the dojang. SRTKD is not responsible for lost or stolen valuables.

7. No horseplay or profanity at any time.

8. Never lean on walls or lay spread out on floor. Show respect when sitting and standing.

9. No drinking, eating, gum or smoking in dojang or while in uniform.

10. All required equipment (including full headgear) must be on before any contact sparring. Always use control & courtesy.

11. Do not come to class if you are sick (runny nose, cough, infectious rashes or fungus, etc.)

12. No cell phones during class and all visitors must answer any cell phone calls outside the studio. Please do not disrupt the instructor or the students during classes or call out instructions from the side. Please keep conversations quiet inside the studio so our students can focus; children must be kept quiet as well if they are watching or waiting during classes.

TERMS AND HELPFUL HINTS:

BASICS – Basics are the fundamental techniques and the primary skills necessary to develop advanced techniques. The relationship of basics to TKD can be compared to that of the alphabet to the English language or the foundation of a building to the building as a whole. Basics are valuable in the beginning and continue to be essential throughout one’s TKD training.

KI-HAP (Yelling) – Ki Hap is to build your internal power, to bring up your energy level and to scare off your opponents.

BREAKING FALLS – When one loses his or her balance and has no other means of balance or support, it is practical to know how to “break” a fall to the ground. Breaking falls minimizes shock to vulnerable body parts by allowing it to be distributed more evenly throughout the body. Breaking falls safely and effectively requires good timing and reflexes. Proper training includes exercising those parts of the body used in breaking falls.

SELF-DEFENSE – To defend oneself against an attack, a student learns how to free himself from grabs and holds by working against their attacker’s power and vulnerable points. The action must be reflexive so that the defender out-senses the attacker; that is to say, the attacker should be unable to sense the move that the victim will make.

BREAKING - The primary purpose of breaking is to build self-confidence. Breaking is a physical demonstration (as well has having mental and philosophical aspects) to measure one’s progress in TKD. Breaking is practiced against such targets as boards, concrete, and red bricks. Successful breaking requires all three of the following elements: ACCURACY, SPEED, AND POWER. Without any of them you cannot break any target.

FORMS - The TKD form (poomse) is essentially a routine with a theme. It consists of stances, blocks, punches, strikes and kicks arranged in a meaningful order in response to attacks from multiple imaginary assailants attacking from several directions. The poomse were formerly the only means Masters had to transmit the essence of TKD and their interpretation of the art to their students. Until the 20th century, free sparring as we know it today, did not exist.

The poomse pattern is representative of the circular earth, being that one begins and ends the poomse in the same place. Poomse are also based on the UmYang (yin/yang) principle such as fast and slow, inhale and exhale, hard and soft, light and heavy, dark and light, etc.

Through seemingly endless repetition of the poomse, the student learns the true nature and meaning of each poomse. Balance, focus, coordination, proper breathing control and self-discipline emerge as benefits of continued poomse practice. Watching one who has mastered a poomse perform is a breath-taking sight.

GOAL - A goal is a direction in one’s life with a purpose. It is human nature to hope for a better and meaningful life, and it is the purposeful goal, which makes that hope become a reality. Without a purpose, a goal is only a wish. In TKD, each belt represents a purposeful goal. Striving for goals builds patience and hope. The challenge of goals inspires motivation and diligence. Setting and achieving goals builds confidence in oneself.

BOWING - All classes commence with bowing to the instructor and to the flags. Bowing is not worship. It is showing respect to your country and the motherland of Tae Kwon Do, as well an Asian tradition of greeting. This is an important step in learning the Martial Arts.

VITAL POINTS – Any sensitive, breakable, vulnerable areas of the body against attack is defined as a vital point in TKD. There are 760 vital spots in the human body. Tae Kwon Do uses approximately 60 vital spots for the target area. Students should familiarize themselves with the various degrees of vulnerability of vital points. No matter how well physically conditioned a person is, his eyes, private areas, solar plexus, etc. are still vulnerable.

SPARRINGContact sparring begins at an intermediate belt level, since members must have learned basic punching, kicking, and blocking techniques before they are allowed to spar.

Tae Kwon Do is a contact sport and injuries can and will occur. Under the terms of membership, all members agree to assume the risk of any injury, and agree to release SRTKD center and its instructors of any liability should any injury occur.

To reduce the risk of injury, full protective gear is always required before any contact sparring is allowed. Remember, the point of sparring exercises is never to harm the sparring partner, but to exercise your TKD abilities. You must always exercise control, never lose your temper, and never spar full-force.

TESTINGTesting is approximately every 2 to 3 months. Members must pass testing before a panel of Black Belt judges to earn their next belt level. Each belt level has certain minimum requirements that each student must practice and know well. Students may test when they can perform all their requirements for their belt level.

The purpose of testing is to:(1) measure your progress and abilities in TKD,(2) to set goal and instill a desire to achieve them,(3) to learn cooperation and organization,(4) to express yourself through TKD, and (5) to build self-confidence through performance.

Important information on Testing:

1. Applications & Fees are due at least one week before Testing. Since certificates must be prepared and belts ordered in advance, late applications or fees must include a $10 late fee. NO SIGN UPS ON TESTING DAY.

2. Testing dates, times & fees are posted on the bulletin board, and applications are available 2 weeks before testing. It is your responsibility to know these before testing day.

3. Members that cannot come on testing day can wait until the next testing date or arrange a private testing (a private lesson fee will be charged in addition to the testing fee).

4. A clean, neat, full uniform (no T-shirts) must be worn and bear a school patch.

5. Advanced belt levels may test every 4 months (6 months for Red II - Black) because of the need to perfect more difficult testing material.

MEMBERSHIP AND PAYMENTSPlease keep due dates in mind for quarterly payments (e-mails are sent out as a reminder), as late payments will incur a $20 per week late charge. As training is a commitment at the beginning of each quarter, membership payments are non-transferable and non-refundable. Returned checks incur a $20 fee plus late fees of $20 per student per week.

EXTENSIONSThere are no extensions granted for personal time away from training. Extensions will only be granted for injuries or illness for a doctor's note if the student will be away for an extended period of time.

QUESTIONSWe are here for you - please feel free to visit the office during business hours, call (818)224-3400, or e-mail us at simonrheetkd@gmail.com. For questions regarding TKD material, please feel free to ask our instructors during business hours.